Safety activation system for lighting installations

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention reside in a safety activation system and method for a lighting installation. The safety activation system comprises an elongate housing for accommodating at least one illumination element. The elongate housing comprises an electrical connector at each opposing end and at least one of the ends of the houses comprises a switch. At least one switch is also provided on a surface of the elongate housing. Activation of all switches is required for electricity to be conducted to the at least one illumination element.

1 . A safety activation system for a lighting installation comprising:
 an elongate housing having at least one illumination element therein;   an electrical connector at each opposing end of the elongate housing, at least one of the ends comprising a switch; and   at least one switch provided on a surface of the elongate housing;   wherein activation of all switches is required for electricity to be conducted to the at least one illumination element.   
     
     
         2 . The safety activation system of  claim 1 , wherein both opposing ends of the elongate housing comprise a switch. 
     
     
         3 . The safety activation system of  claim 1 , wherein a surface of the elongate housing comprises a pair of spaced apart switches. 
     
     
         4 . The safety activation system of  claim 1 , wherein the elongate housing is cylindrical and the at least one switch is provided on a curved surface of the elongate housing. 
     
     
         5 . The safety activation system of  claim 1 , wherein activation of the switch(es) at the end(s) of the housing is effected by connection of the electrical connectors with electrical sockets of the lighting installation. 
     
     
         6 . The safety activation system of  claim 1 , wherein activation of the switch(es) on the surface of the elongate housing is effected by contact with a holder of the lighting installation. 
     
     
         7 . The safety activation system of  claim 1 , wherein one or more of the switches are in the form of momentary toggle switches. 
     
     
         8 . The safety activation system of  claim 1 , wherein each end of the elongate housing comprises an end cap. 
     
     
         9 . The safety activation system of  claim 8 , wherein at least one of the end caps is removable. 
     
     
         10 . The safety activation system of  claim 8 , wherein the electrical connectors pass through the end caps. 
     
     
         11 . The safety activation system of  claim 8 , wherein at least one of the end caps comprises a recess for accommodating the switch at one of the ends of the elongate housing. 
     
     
         12 . A lighting installation comprising the safety activation system as claimed in  claim 1 . 
     
     
         13 . A method of preventing electrocution from a lighting installation including:
 providing an elongate housing having:
 at least one illumination element therein; 
 an electrical connector at each opposing end; 
 a switch at either or both ends; and 
 at least one switch on a surface of the elongate housing; 
   conducting electricity to the at least one illumination element when the elongate housing is inserted into a holder of the lighting installation and all of the switches are activated.   
     
     
         14 . A safety activation system for a lighting installation comprising:
 an elongate housing having at least one illumination element therein;   an end cap at each opposing end of the elongate housing;   an electrical connector extending through a respective one of the end caps;   at least one of the end caps comprising a switch therein; and   at least one switch provided on a surface of the elongate housing;   wherein activation of all switches is required for electricity to be conducted to the at least one illumination element.   
     
     
         15 . The safety activation system of  claim 14 , wherein activation of the at least one switch at the end of the elongate housing is effected by connection of the electrical connectors with electrical sockets of the lighting installation. 
     
     
         16 . The safety activation system of  claim 14 , wherein activation of the at least one switch on the surface of the elongate housing is effected by contact with a holder of the lighting installation.